Abstract

The present study is an attempt to understand and explain the ambiguous relationship that came into existence between the French colonists and Indians settled in Montreal in the closing decades of the seventeenth century and persisted until the fall of the French regime.

The phenomenon of Indian-White contacts in an urban setting has largely escaped historical scrutiny. Owing to the precarious political and military situation of New France, its feeble French population and a significant number of settled Indians, the latter enjoyed a unique status. Despite the fact that the Indians settled in the Montreal area were officially considered French subjects, the reality belied the letter of the law. On the one hand, the authorities created a system of exemptions that enabled the domicilies to break French laws with impunity. On the other, the habitants strived to establish a common ground of their own, developing a framework of trade, business and personal relationships that bridged the gap between the two groups.

The size of the native population established close to the French settlements had a crucial importance for the development of the common ground between the two societies. The national composition of native villages also played a significant role in colonial relationships. The domicilies formed a significant part of the total population of the Montreal district. Their communities, although on several occasions weakened by the impact of epidemics, were able to maintain their population thanks to frequent migrations. More importantly, the number of warriors in Indian villages outnumbered by far the garrison of Montreal.

The fourth and fifth chapters deal with French criminal procedure and its application in cases involving the domicilies. Our research in the judicial archives points to the fact that, in order to accommodate the natives, the authorities created a system of exemptions that amounted to nothing less than a "parallel" justice. Few domicilies charged with an offense were ever convicted. Since practically all registered crimes allegedly committed by natives occurred under influence of alcohol, the judicial and executive officials focused on French liquor-traders and did not prosecute the Indians.

Chapter VI analyses the liquor trade in Montreal and its impact in the creation of the common ground between Europeans and Amerindians. It appears that the liquor-trade was a significant economic factor for numerous French families and that all strata of the colonial society took part in this highly profitable exchange.

Chapter VII examines the meaning and significance of the "illegal" fur trade between New France and the English colonies for the common ground established between the French and the Indians. Despite numerous ordinances expressly forbidding the transport of furs to the south, the domicilies continued to engage in this inter-colonial trade throughout the period.

Chapter VIII traces the evolution and the deepening of the common ground in the area of inter-personal relations between the members of Indian and White societies. The habitants strived on their own to reach a modus vivendi with the domicilies. Frequent contacts and common pursuits resulted in an increased awareness of the other. The habitants spoke Indian languages, knew native traditions and and were aware of the different spiritual world of their native neighbours. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)